The New Jersey Department of Education invites school administrators to recommend up to three outstanding secondary (grades 6-12) educators for the 2025 Exemplary Educator Recognition Program, according to an advisory.

This program alternates each year in honoring outstanding elementary and secondary educators. This year, the NJDOE is seeking secondary educators (grades 6-12) who:

  • Have a positive impact on their students, colleagues and the school community.
  • Possess a clear vision for quality teaching and learning.
  • May be a candidate for recognition at the county, state, and national level.

Honoring educators promotes a culture that publicly recognizes excellence and fosters greater pride in the education profession. The NJDOE encourages administrators to consider exceptional educators with diverse backgrounds to ensure honorees represent the full diversity of New Jersey.

Recommending Exemplary Educators

Administrators can recommend up to three secondary teachers, specialists, and principals from New Jersey public school districts (including charter schools and renaissance school projects) who have:

  • Taught for at least five years and are considered early to mid-career educators.
  • Demonstrated exceptional teaching and leadership abilities.
  • Received a rating of effective or highly effective on the latest final summative evaluation.

Administrators must complete and submit the online 2025 Exemplary Educator Recognition Program Recommendation Form for each exemplary educator nominated. To submit a recommendation, administrators will need a district-level Exemplary Educator account from the district’s Homeroom Administrator.

Completed recommendation forms must be submitted online by 4 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2025.

For full criteria and recommendation form information, please refer to this information sheet.

Recommendations are confidential and should not be shared with the candidate. If a recommended candidate is selected as an Exemplary Educator, the recommender will receive a certificate of recognition in November 2025 via mail to share with the awardees at that time.

For any questions, please contact the Educator Recognition Program Coordinator, via email.